Session 1999-2000

Commons Journal 256

Chronological Index
Alphabetical Index - Part I
Alphabetical Index - Part II


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Page 296            1999-2000      Volume 256      

[No. 75.]

Monday 3rd April 2000.

The House met at half-past Two o'clock.

PRAYERS.

1Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Nicholas Winterton reported from the Third Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 59) on Metropolitan Railway Passenger Services Grant 2000–01 (House of Commons Paper No. 361).

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.

2Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded further to consider the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

Another Amendment (No. 62) proposed to the Bill, in page 68, line 37, at the end, to insert the words—

‘( ) Nothing in this section shall apply to any childcare provision by the employer, which shall be exempt from Class 1A National Insurance contributions.'—(Mr David Willetts.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Mr Peter Luff: 143.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr Don Touhig: 265.

Another Clause (Preservation of rights in respect of additional pensions)—(Mr Jeff Rooker)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Calculation of Category B retirement pension)—(Angela Eagle)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Widows' /widowers' SERPS entitlements)—(Steve Webb)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Tom Brake, Mr David Heath: 26.

Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr David Jamieson: 273.

Another Clause (Age additions)—(Mr Paul Burstow)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Bob Russell, Mr Andrew George: 39.

Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Greg Pope: 275.

Another Clause (Rate of introduction of state second pension)—(Steve Webb)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Bob Russell, Sir Robert Smith: 36.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Greg Pope, Mrs Anne McGuire: 282.

Another Clause (Date of payment of benefit)—(Steve Webb)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

And it being Ten o'clock, further consideration of the Bill stood adjourned.

3Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business), That, at this day's sitting, the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Mr Kevin Hughes):—It was agreed to.

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4Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill,—The House again proceeded further to consider the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

Another Clause (Concurrency of pensions, rebates and extra monies)—(Mrs Jacqui Lait)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr John Randall, Mr Peter Luff: 151.

Tellers for the Noes, Jim Dowd, Mr Robert Ainsworth: 283.

Another Clause (Annual increase in basic retirement pension)—(Mr John McDonnell)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Bob Russell, Mr Kelvin Hopkins: 75.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Robert Ainsworth, Jim Dowd: 240.

Another Amendment (No. 12) proposed to the Bill, in page 26, line 33, at the end, to insert the words—

‘and, for the purposes of calculating the pensioner's earnings factor under this subsection, in addition to any earnings, the pensioner will be credited with earnings equal to the lower earnings limit then in force in respect of each week in which invalid care allowance was payable or would have been payable but for the fact that under regulations the amount payable to him was reduced to nil because of his receipt of other benefits.'.—(Mr Paul Burstow.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Other Amendments (Nos. 34, 35 and 28 to 32) made to the Bill.

Another Clause (Restriction on index-linking where annuity tied to investments)—(Mr Jeff Rooker)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Jurisdiction of the Pensions Ombudsman)—(Mr Jeff Rooker)—brought up, read the first and second time, and added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Custodianship of investments)—(Mr John Butterfill)—brought up and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time;

Tuesday 4th April 2000

Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Amendment (No. 70) proposed to the Bill, in page 35, line 25, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(za) The word “and” shall be omitted and after paragraph (a) there shall be inserted—

”( ) that in the case of schemes which fall in a prescribed class, that such arrangements for the selection of persons nominated by pensioner members and deferred members of the scheme to be trustees of the scheme as are required by this section are made, and”.'.—(Mr Andrew Miller.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Clause (War widows' pensions—entitlement)—(Mr David Willetts)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Peter Luff, Mr John Randall: 141.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Clive Betts, Mr Graham Allen: 265.

Other Amendments (No. 58, 90, 60, 85, 84, 61, 97 and 45 to 47) made to the Bill.

A Motion being made, That the Bill be now read the third time;

Mr Jeff Rooker, by Her Majesty's Command, acquainted the House, That Her Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, gives her Consent, as far as Her Majesty's interest is concerned, That the House may do therein as it shall think fit.

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And the Question being put:—It was agreed to.

The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed.

5Aid System for Flax and Hemp,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 119 (European Standing Committees), That this House takes note of European Union Document No. 12992/99, a draft Council Regulation on the reform of the flax and hemp support regime; and supports the Government's aim of promoting reform of this sector, whilst ensuring that the changes to the regime do not prejudice the future viability of the UK industry—(Mr Tony McNulty):—It was agreed to.

6Northern Ireland Grand Committee,—Ordered, That—

(1) the matter of the state of Northern Ireland agriculture, being a matter relating exclusively to Northern Ireland, be referred to the Northern Ireland Grand Committee;

(2) the Committee shall meet at Westminster on Thursday 13th April at 2.30 p.m.; and

(3) at that meeting—

(a) the Committee shall take questions for oral answer; and shall then consider the matter of the state of Northern Ireland agriculture, referred to it under paragraph (1) above;

(b) the Chairman shall interrupt proceedings at 5 p.m.; and

(c) at the conclusion of those proceedings a motion for the adjournment of the Committee may be moved by a Minister of the Crown pursuant to Standing Order No. 116(5) (Northern Ireland Grand Committee (sittings)).—(Mr Tony McNulty.)

7Agriculture,—Ordered, That Ms Fiona Jones be discharged from the Agriculture Committee and Dr George Turner be added to the Committee.—(Mr Clive Betts, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

8Northern Ireland Affairs,—Ordered, That Mr Tony McWalter be discharged from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee and Mr Colin Burgon be added to the Committee.—(Mr Clive Betts, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)

9Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Tony McNulty.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-eight minutes past One o' clock on Tuesday morning, adjourned till this day.

[Adjourned at 1.28 a.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 31st March 2000 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O., No. 12) pursuant to Standing Order No. 158 (Presentation of command papers):

1Criminal Injuries Compensation,—Report and Accounts of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [Cm. 4671] [Mr Secretary Straw].

2Treaty Series (No. 24, 2000),—Exchange of Notes, done at Sofia on 30th September and 14th October 1992, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria concerning certain Commercial Debts [Cm. 4642] [Mr Secretary Cook].

3Treaty Series (No. 25, 2000),—Exchange of Notes, done at Helsinki on 6th May and 5th July 1996, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Finland concerning the Extension of the European Convention on Extradition to Certain Dependent Territories [Cm. 4643] [Mr Secretary Cook].

4Treaty Series (No. 26, 2000),—Exchange of Notes, done at Warsaw on 1st and 25th March 1996, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Poland concerning the Extension of the European Convention on Extradition to Certain Dependent Territories [Cm. 4644] [Mr Secretary Cook].

5Treaty Series (No. 27, 2000),—Exchange of Notes, done at Berne on 20th June 1996 and Vaduz on 3rd July 1996, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein concerning the extension of the European Convention on Extradition to certain Dependent Territories [Cm. 4645] [Mr Secretary Cook].

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6Treaty Series (No. 28, 2000),—Exchange of Notes, done at Berne on 9th and 26th January 1996, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Swiss Federal Council concerning the Extension of the European Convention on Extradition to Certain Dependent Territories [Cm. 4646] [Mr Secretary Cook].

7Treaty Series (No. 29, 2000),—Exchange of Notes, done at Budapest on 15th August 1995 and 24th June 1996, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Hungary concerning the Extension of the European Convention on Extradition to Certain Dependent Territories [Cm. 4647] [Mr Secretary Cook].

8Treaty Series (No. 30, 2000),—Exchange of Notes, done at Oslo on 29th June and 7th July 1995, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Kingdom of Norway concerning the Extension of the European Convention on Extradition to the British Dependent Territories [Cm. 4648] [Mr Secretary Cook].

Papers delivered to the Votes and Proceedings Office on Friday 31st March 2000 (Non-sitting Friday, S.O., No. 12) pursuant to Standing Order No. 159 (Presentation of statutory instruments):

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

9Consumer Protection,—Control of Misleading Advertisements (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 914), dated 30th March 2000 [Mr Secretary Byers].

10Education,—Education (Student Support) (European Institutions) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 923), dated 28th March 2000 [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

11Food,—Medical Food (England) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 845), dated 21st March 2000 [Mr Nicholas Brown].

12Housing,—Housing Renewal Grants (Amendment No. 2) (England) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 910), dated 28th March 2000 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

13Income Tax,—Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988, Section 559(4A), Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 921), dated 30th March 2000 [Dawn Primarolo].

14Road Traffic,—M11 Motorway (Junctions 5–4, Redbridge) (Speed Limit) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 854), dated 23rd March 2000 [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Papers presented or laid upon the Table on Monday 3rd April 2000:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

15Criminal Law,—Draft Youth Justice Board for England and Wales Order 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

16Food,—Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) (Butchers' Shops) Amendment Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 930), dated 2nd April 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn].

17Income Tax,—Income Tax (Electronic Communications) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 945), dated 3rd April 2000 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].

18Libraries,—Public Lending Right Scheme 1982 (Commencement of Variations) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 933), dated 30th March 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].

19London Government,—(1) Greater London Authority Act 1999 (Transitional Capital Finance Provisions) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 862), dated 24th March 2000, and

(2) London Government (Various Provisions) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 942), dated 3rd April 2000

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

20Weights and Measures,—Weighing Equipment (Non-automatic Weighing Machines) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 932), dated 30th March 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

Other Papers:

21Cabinet Office Executive Agencies,—Report and Accounts of the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 370] [Marjorie Mowlam].

22National Health Service,—(1) Statements of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 20th March 2000 on loans proposed to be raised by the following National Health Service Trusts—

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(i) Doncaster and South Humber Healthcare,

(ii) Gloucestershire Royal,

(iii) North Hampshire Hospitals,

(iv) Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre,

(v) Severn, and

(vi) South Tees Acute Hospitals

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn];

(2) Statements of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 22nd March 2000 on loans proposed to be raised by the following National Health Service Trusts—

(i) Isle of Wight Healthcare,

(ii) Priority Healthcare Wearside, and

(iii) The Whittington Hospital

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn];

(3) Statement of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 27th March 2000 on loans proposed to be raised by Plymouth Community Services National Health Service Trust [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn];

(4) Statement of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 30th March 2000 on loans proposed to be raised by South Durham Healthcare National Health Service Trust [by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn]; and

(5) Summarised Accounts of Health Authorities, and NHS Trusts in England, of the Dental Practice Board and Special Health Authorities providing central services in England, and of Funds held on Trust by Health Authorities, NHS Trusts, Special Health Authorities and Special Trustees in England for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Act]; to be printed [No. 356] [Clerk of the House].

Papers withdrawn:

23Criminal Law,—Draft Youth Justice Board for England and Wales Order 2000 [laid on 27th March].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Draft Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) (Payment of Claims) (Amendment) Regulations 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Alan Simpson from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Regulations); and nominated in substitution Mr Bill Michie.

Grand Committees

2The Speaker has appointed Mrs Ray Michie an additional Chairman of the Scottish Grand Committee in respect of its meeting on Wednesday 5th April.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee [Higher Education]; to be printed [No. 400-i] [Mr Barry Sheerman].

2Public Accounts,—(1) Thirteenth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [The 1992 & 1998 Information Management & Technology Strategies of the NHS Executive]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 406];

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme: The failure to inform the public of reduced pension rights for widows and widowers]; to be printed [No. 401-i]

[Mr David Davis].

3Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [Proposed Public Private Partnership for BNFL]; to be printed [No. 307-iv] [Mr Martin O'Neill].


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[No. 76.]

Tuesday 4th April 2000.

The House met at half-past Two o'clock.

PRAYERS.

1City of Newcastle upon Tyne Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read for the Third Reading of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne Bill [Lords];

Ordered, That the Bill be read the third time on Tuesday 11th April.

2Greenham and Crookham Commons Bill,—The Order of the day being read for the Second Reading of the Greenham and Crookham Commons Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Tuesday 11th April.

3Welsh Grand Committee,—Mr Barry Jones reported from the Welsh Grand Committee, that it had considered the matter of the Budget Statement and its implications for Wales, referred to it on 16th March 2000, and had directed him to report accordingly to the House.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 117].

4Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Eric Illsley reported from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) (Payment of Claims) (Amendment) Regulations 2000.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.

5European Standing Committee A,—Mr Eric Illsley reported from European Standing Committee A the following Resolution:

That the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 13048/99, a draft Council Regulation amending Council Regulation (EEC) No. 404/93 on the common organisation of the market in bananas; and supports the Government's objective of achieving a revised EU banana regime which will not be challenged in the World Trade Organisation and which will reflect EU commitments to Caribbean and African countries, particularly the UK's traditional suppliers in the Caribbean.

Report, together with Resolution, to lie upon the Table.

6Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Bill,—The Order for reading the Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Bill a second time on Friday was read and discharged.

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 19th May.

7Health Care Standards for Elderly Persons,—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to amend the National Health Service (Primary Care) Act 1997 to prohibit the refusal or delay of treatment or the provision of an inferior standard of care on the basis of age and to establish an inquiry into the extent of age discrimination in the provision of health services; and that Mr Paul Marsden, Mr David Amess, John Austin, Mr Peter Bottomley, Mr Paul Burstow, Dr Vincent Cable, Dr Ian Gibson, Mr David Hinchliffe, Dr Doug Naysmith, Mr Edward O'Hara, Ms Linda Perham and Mr Ieuan Wyn Jones do prepare and bring it in.

8Health Care Standards for Elderly Persons,—Mr Paul Marsden accordingly presented a Bill to amend the National Health Service (Primary Care) Act 1997 to prohibit the refusal or delay of treatment or the provision of an inferior standard of care on the basis of age and to establish an inquiry into the extent of age discrimination in the provision of health services: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 21st July and to be printed [Bill 103].

9Freedom of Information Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Freedom of Information Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

Ordered, That the Freedom of Information Bill, as amended, be considered in the following order, namely, amendments relating to Clauses 1 and 2, Schedule 1, Clauses 3 to 16, Schedule 2, Clauses 17 to 54, Schedule 3, Clauses 55 to 60, Schedule 4, Clauses 61 to 66, Schedule 5, Clauses 67 to 72, Schedule 6, Clauses 73 to 84, Schedule 7, Clauses 85 and 86, new Clauses and new Schedules.—(Mr Tony McNulty.)

Amendment (No. 100) proposed to the Bill, in page 1, line 7, at the end to insert the words—

‘—(A1) The purpose of this Act is to facilitate public access to information held by public authorities.'—(Mr David Lidington.)

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Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Peter Atkinson: 167.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Jamieson, Mr David Clelland: 339.

Amendment (No. 44) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 33) proposed to the Bill, in page 4, to leave out lines 12 and 13.—(Mr David Heath.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Sir Robert Smith, Mr Tom Brake: 156.

Tellers for the Noes, Jim Dowd, Mr Greg Pope: 319.

Another Amendment (No. 102) proposed to the Bill, in page 5, line 23, after the word ‘subsection', to insert the words ‘(1A) or'—(Mr Nick Hawkins.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made.

And it being Ten o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned.

10Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business), That, at this day's sitting, the Freedom of Information Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to.

11Freedom of Information Bill,—The House again proceeded to consider the Freedom of Information Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

Question again proposed, That Amendment (No. 102) be made.

And the Question being put;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Peter Atkinson: 165.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Robert Ainsworth, Mr Clive Betts: 347.

Another Amendment (No. 45) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 1) proposed to the Bill, in page 7, line 13, to leave out from the word ‘authority' to the end of line 34 and insert the words ‘which is to any extent exempt or whose disclosure is not required by virtue of section 11.' instead thereof.—(Dr Tony Wright.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Amendment (No. 46) made to the Bill.

Ordered, That further consideration of the Bill be now adjourned.—(Mr Mike Hall.)

Bill to be further considered tomorrow.

12Northern Ireland,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Equality (Disability, etc.) (Northern Ireland) Order 2000, which was laid before this House on 16th March, be approved:—(Mr Mike Hall)—It was agreed to.

13Local Government Finance,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 59) on Metropolitan Railway Passenger Services Grant 2000–2001 (House of Commons Paper No. 361), which was laid before this House on 21st March, be approved—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to.

14Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Bill [Money],—Her Majesty's Recommendation having been signified to the proposed Motion relating to Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Bill [Money];

A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—

(a) any expenses of the Secretary of State under the Act; and

(b) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums which under any other Act are payable out of money so provided.—(Mr Mike Hall.)

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Wednesday 5th April 2000

And the Question being put:—It was agreed to.

Resolved, That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Bill, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of—

(a) any expenses of the Secretary of State under the Act; and

(b) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums which under any other Act are payable out of money so provided.

15Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Don Touhig.)

And the Motion having been made after Ten o'clock on Tuesday evening, and the Debate having continued for half an hour, the Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without Question being put, pursuant to the Standing Order, it being then one minute to One o'clock on Wednesday morning, till this day.

[Adjourned at 12.59 a.m.


APPENDIX 1

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Charities,—Draft Charities (Royal Medical Foundation of Epsom College) Order 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

2County Courts,—County Court Fees (Amendment No. 2) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 939), dated 16th March 2000 [by Act] [Mr David Lock].

3Inheritance Tax,—(1) Inheritance Tax (Delivery of Accounts) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 965),

(2) Inheritance Tax (Delivery of Accounts) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 967), and

(3) Inheritance Tax (Delivery of Accounts) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 966),

dated 3rd April 2000 [by Act] [Dawn Primarolo].

4Supreme Court of England and Wales,—(1) Civil Procedure (Amendment No. 2) Rules 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 940), dated 1st April 2000,

(2) Civil Procedure (Modification of Enactments) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 941), dated 1st April 2000, and

(3) Supreme Court Fees (Amendment No. 2) Order 2000, (S,I., 2000, No. 937), dated 28th March 2000

[by Act] [Mr David Lock].

Other Papers

5Competition Commission,—Report by the Competition Commission on the proposed merger of News Communications & Media plc and Newsquest (Investments) Limited/Johnston Press plc/Trinity Mirror plc [by Command] [Cm. 4680] [Mr Secretary Byers].

6Fair Trading,—Consent by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to the transfers of the newspapers of News Communications & Media plc to—

(1) Johnston Press plc,

(2) Newsquest (Investments) Limited, and

(3) Trinity Mirror plc

following a report from the Competition Commission [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

7National Audit,—Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Grants made by the National Lottery Charities Board [by Act]; to be printed [No. 378] [Clerk of the House].

8National Health Service,—(1) Statements of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 22nd March 2000 on loans proposed to be raised by the following National Health Service Trusts—

(i) Norfolk and Norwich Health Care, and

(ii) Swindon and Marlborough,

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(2) Statements of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 24th March 2000 on loans proposed to be raised by the following National Health Service Trusts—

(i) Leeds Teaching Hospitals, and

(ii) Lincolnshire Ambulance and Health Transport Service,

(3) Statements of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 27th March 2000 on loans proposed to be raised by the following National Health Service Trusts—

(i) Avon and Western Wiltshire Mental Healthcare,

(ii) Northallerton Health Services, and

(iii) Wiltshire and Swindon Healthcare, and

(4) Statement of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 30th March 2000 on loans proposed to be raised by the North Tees and Hartlepool National Health Service Trust

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn].

9Reserve Forces,—Report, dated 31st March 2000, under Section 54(7) of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 on the making of a call-out order under section 54(1) of that Act [by Act] [Mr Secretary Hoon].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Competition Act 1998 (Director's rules) Order 2000 (S.I. 2000, No. 293),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Mohammad Sarwar from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legisation (nominated in respect of the Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Lindsay Hoyle.

2Draft Access to Justice Act 1999 (Destination of Appeals) Order 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Glenda Jackson from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Mohammad Sarwar.

3Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 57) on the Promoting Independence: Prevention Grant for 2000–2001 (House of Commons Paper No. 338), the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 56) on the Promoting Independence: Partnership Grant for 2001–2001 (House of Commons Paper No. 337), and the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 58) on the Promoting Independence: Carers Grant for 2000–2001 (House of Commons Paper No. 339),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Philip Hammond from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Reports); and nominated in substitution Mrs Caroline Spelman.

4The Speaker has appointed Mr Eric Illsley an additional Chairman of European Standing Committee A in respect of European Union Document No. 13048/99 on the common organisation of the market in bananas.

Grand Committees

5The Speaker has appointed Mrs Ray Michie an additional Chairman of the Scottish Grand Committee for its meeting on Wednesday 5th April.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee [Early Years Education]; to be printed [No 386-ii] [Mr Barry Sheerman].

2Environmental Audit,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environmental Audit Committee [Budget 2000]; to be printed [No. 404-i]; and

(2) Memorandum laid before the Committee [Further Government Observations on the Seventh Report from the Committee of Session 1998-99—Energy Efficiency]

[Mr John Horam].

3Foreign Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Foreign Affairs Committee [Weapons of Mass Destruction]; to be printed [No. 407-i] [Mr Donald Anderson].

4Home Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Home Affairs Committee [Current EU Justice and Home Affairs issues]; to be printed [No. 402–i] [Mr Robin Corbett].

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5Standards and Privileges,—Ninth Report from the Committee on Standards and Privileges [Complaints against Members of Parliament: The Investigation Process], with an Appendix; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 403] [Mr Robert Sheldon].

6Statutory Instruments,—Fifteenth Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, together with Memoranda laid before the Committee; to be printed [No. 47-xv] [Mr David Tredinnick].

7Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Treasury Committee [The 2000 Budget]; to be printed [No 379-iii] [Mr Giles Radice].


[No. 76; WH, No. 45.]

Tuesday 4th April 2000.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall [pursuant to Order of 24th May 1999].

The sitting commenced at Ten o'clock.

1Adjournment,—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Mr David Clelland.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 1.00 p.m.


[No. 77.]

Wednesday 5th April 2000.

The House met at half-past Two o'clock.

PRAYERS.

1City of London (Ward Elections) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for further consideration of the City of London (Ward Elections) Bill, as amended by the Chairman of Ways and Means;

Ordered, That the Bill be further considered on Wednesday 12th April.

2First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Jim Cunningham reported from the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Report by the Secretary of State for Social Security under Section 82 of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 (House of Commons Paper No. 270).

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.

3Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Jonathan Sayeed reported from the Sixth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Competition Act 1998 (Director's rules) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 293).

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.

4Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

Care Standards Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to establish a National Care Standards Commission; to make provision for the registration and regulation of children's homes, independent hospitals, independent clinics, care homes, residential family centres, independent medical agencies, domiciliary care agencies, fostering agencies and voluntary adoption agencies; to make provision for the regulation and inspection of local authority fostering and adoption services; to establish a General Social Care Council and a Care Council for Wales and make provision for the registration, regulation and training of social care workers; to make provision for the registration, regulation and training of those providing child minding or day care; to make provision for the protection of children and vulnerable adults; to amend the law about children looked after in schools and colleges; to repeal the Nurses Agencies Act 1957; and for connected purposes: to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

5Care Standards Bill [Lords],—The Care Standards Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 105].

Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Care Standards Bill [Lords] be printed [Bill 105–EN].

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6Weights and Measures (Amendment),—Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make the use of imperial weights and measures no longer subject to proceedings for a criminal offence: And that Mr David Lidington, Mr David Amess, Mr Nick Hawkins, Mr Stephen Day, Mr Nick St. Aubyn, Mr John Hayes and Mr Simon Burns do prepare and bring it in.

7Weights and Measures (Amendment) Bill,—Mr David Lidington accordingly presented a Bill to make the use of imperial weights and measures no longer subject to proceedings for a criminal offence: And the same was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time on Friday 9th June and to be printed [Bill 104].

8Freedom of Information Bill,—The House, according to Order, proceeded further to consider the Freedom of Information Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

Another Amendment (No. 107) proposed to the Bill, in page 7, line 28, to leave out from ‘(e)' to the end of line 31 and to insert the words ‘section 38(1)' instead thereof.—(Mr Harry Cohen.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Amendment (No. 47) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 7) proposed to the Bill, in page 8, line 8, to leave out subsection (6).—(Dr Tony Wright.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Adrian Sanders, Mr Ronnie Campbell: 202.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Greg Pope, Mrs Anne McGuire: 311.

Other Amendments (Nos. 48 to 54) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 110) proposed to the Bill, in page 9, line 22, to leave out Clause 16.—(Mr Nick Hawkins.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Keith Simpson, Mr John Randall: 116.

Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Greg Pope: 373.

Another Amendment (No. 177) proposed to the Bill, in page 58, line 42, to leave out paragraph 19.—(Mr Richard Shepherd.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Other Amendments (Nos. 55 to 59) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 92) proposed to the Bill, in page 12, line 1, to leave out Clause 21.—(Mr Richard Shepherd.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Amendment (No. 15) proposed to the Bill, in page 13, line 13, after the word ‘to,', to insert the word ‘substantially'.—(Mr David Heath.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Ronnie Fearn, Mr John Burnett: 37.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Jim Dowd: 336.

Another Amendment (No. 39) proposed to the Bill, in page 15, line 4, at the end, to insert the words ‘and if its disclosure under this Act would, or would be likely to, prejudice any of those purposes'.—(Mr Simon Hughes.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Bob Russell, Mr Brian Cotter: 61.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Jim Dowd: 321.

Another Amendment (No. 60) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 10) proposed to the Bill, in page 18, line 32, at the end, to insert the words—

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‘(1A) Information is not exempt by virtue of subsection (1) or section 34 insofar as it consists of factual information.'.—(Mr Simon Hughes.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr Tom Brake: 190.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe, Jim Dowd: 317.

And it being after Ten o'clock, further consideration of the Bill stood adjourned.

9Business of the House,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business), That, at this day's sitting, the Freedom of Information Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour.—(Mr Mike Hall):—It was agreed to.

10Freedom of Information Bill,—The House again proceeded further to consider the Freedom of Information Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee.

Another Amendment (No. 12) proposed to the Bill, in page 19, line 12, to leave out from the word ‘if' to the word ‘disclosure' in line 13.—(Mr Robert Maclennan.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Sir Robert Smith, Mr Ronnie Fearn: 55.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Clelland, Mr Clive Betts: 324.

Other Amendments (Nos. 61, 101 and 62) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 35) proposed to the Bill, in page 23, line 7, to leave out Clause 43.—(Mr Simon Hughes.)

Question put, That the Amendment be made.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Andrew Stunell, Mr Brian Cotter: 158.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr David Clelland, Mr Clive Betts: 325.

Another Amendment (No. 63) made to the Bill.

Another Amendment (No. 64) proposed to the Bill, in page 26, line 18, to leave out Clause 48.—(Mr Secretary Straw.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made;

Thursday 6th April 2000

Question put and agreed to.

Other Amendments (Nos. 65 to 67, 6, 69 to 71, 89, 90 and 72 to 88) made to the Bill.

A Clause (Exception from duty to comply with decision notice or enforcement notice)—(Mr Mike Hall)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question put, That the Clause be read a second time.

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Don Touhig, Mr Clive Betts: 302.

Tellers for the Noes, Sir Robert Smith, Jackie Ballard: 173.

Clause added to the Bill.

Another Clause (Information already disclosed)—(Mr Richard Shepherd)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Clause (Duty to publish manuals etc.)—(Mr Richard Shepherd)—brought up, and read the first time.

Question proposed, That the Clause be read a second time:—Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

The Bill was read the third time, and passed.

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11Social Security,—A Motion was made, and the Question being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 118 (Standing Committees on Delegated Legislation), That the draft Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) (Payment of Claims) (Amendment) Regulations 2000, which were laid before this House on 20th March, be approved—(Mr David Jamieson):—It was agreed to.

12Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr David Jamieson.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty-four minutes past One o'clock on Thursday morning, adjourned till this day.

[Adjourned at 1.24 a.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Betting, Gaming and Lotteries,—Gaming Clubs (Hours and Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 899), dated 28th March 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

2Food,—Tetrachloroethylene in Olive Oil (Revocation) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 960), dated 30th March 2000 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

3Savings Bank,—Draft National Savings Bank (Investment Deposits) (Limits) (Amendment) Order 2000 [by Act] [Miss Melanie Johnson].

Other Papers:

4Criminal Injuries Compensation,—Report and Accounts of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeals Panel for 1998–99, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Command] [Cm. 4670] [Mr Secretary Straw].

5Financial Reporting to Parliament,—Departmental Report 2000: The Government's Expenditure Plans for 2000–01 to 2001–02 for the Department of International Development [by Command] [Cm. 4610] [Secretary Clare Short].

6National Health Service,—(1) Statements of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 22nd March 2000 on loans proposed to be raised by the following National Health Service Trusts—

(i) Cornwall Healthcare,

(ii) Dewsbury Healthcare,

(iii) Havering Hospitals,

(iv) Nottingham City Hospital,

(v) Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals,

(vi) Pinderfields and Pontefract Hospitals, and

(vii) Royal Devon and Exeter Healthcare,

(2) Statement of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 30th March 2000 on loans proposed to be raised by the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals National Health Service Trust, and

(3) Statement of Guarantee given by the Secretary of State for Health on 3rd April 2000 on loans proposed to be raised by the University Hospitals of Leicester National Health Service Trust

[by Act] [Mr Secretary Milburn].

7Police (Northern Ireland),—Report for 1999 and Accounts for 1998–99 of the Independent Commission for Police Complaints for Northern Ireland, with the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General thereon [by Statutory Instrument]; to be printed [No. 366] [Mr Secretary Mandelson].

8Transport,—Statement of Guarantee given by the Treasury on 5th April 2000 in respect of temporary borrowing by the British Waterways Board from National Westminster Bank plc [by Act] [Mr Stephen Timms].

9Treaty Series (No. 36, 2000),—Exchange of Notes, done at London on 10th and 28th July 1997, amending the Headquarters Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the International Lead and Zinc Study Group [by Command] [Cm. 4659] [Mr Secretary Cook].

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10Treaty Series (No. 37, 2000),—Exchange of Notes, done at Islamabad on 9th March and 11th October 1999, extending the Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for the Promotion and Protection of Investments signed at London on 30th November 1994 to the Isle of Man and the Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey [by Command] [Cm. 4665] [Mr Secretary Cook].

Papers withdrawn:

11Savings Bank,—Draft National Savings Bank (Investment Deposits) (Limits) (Amendment) Order 2000 [laid on 27th March].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Utilities Bill,—The Speaker has appointed Mr John McWilliam an additional Chairman of Standing Committee A in respect of the Bill.

2Recycled Content of Newsprint Bill:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee C; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: John Austin, Mr Peter Bottomley, Mr Tom Brake, Mrs Helen Brinton, Sir Sydney Chapman, Mr David Chaytor, Mr John Horam, Mrs Joan Humble, Mr David Lepper, Mr Chris Mullin, Dr Doug Naysmith, Mrs Diana Organ, Mr Gordon Prentice, Mr Terry Rooney, Mr Andrew Stunell and Mr Robert Syms.

3Race Relations (Amendment) Bill [Lords]:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee D (transferred from Standing Committee G), and has appointed Mr Edward O'Hara and Mr Jonathan Sayeed Chairmen; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee; viz.: Ms Karen Buck, Mr David Faber, Jane Griffiths, Mr Simon Hughes, Mr Piara S. Khabra, Mr Andy King, Ms Oona King, Mr Tom Levitt, Mr David Lidington, Mr Peter Luff, Mr Mike O'Brien, Mr Andrew Rowe, Sir Robert Smith, Paddy Tipping, Mr Don Touhig and Mr Shaun Woodward.

4Learning and Skills Bill [Lords]:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the Bill to Standing Committee F, and has appointed Mr Joe Benton Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated twenty-one Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr Richard Allan, Charlotte Atkins, Mr Hilary Benn, Mr Clive Betts, Mr Tom Boswell, Mr Graham Brady, Mr Peter Brooke, Mr David Chaytor, Mr James Clappison, Valerie Davey, Mr Michael Foster, Mr David Hanson, Mr John Hayes, Mr Gordon Marsden, Mr Ken Purchase, Mr Chris Ruane, Dr Phyllis Starkey, Dr Alan Whitehead, Mr Malcolm Wicks, Mr Phil Willis and Mr Michael Wills.

5Draft Youth Justice Board for England and Wales Order 2000:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the First Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Eric Illsley Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Ms Diane Abbott, Mr John Burnett, Mr Charles Clarke, Mr Bill Etherington, Mrs Teresa Gorman, Mr Mike Hall, Mr Fabian Hamilton, Mr Doug Henderson, Glenda Jackson, Miss Julie Kirkbride, Mr David Lidington, Mr Peter Luff, Mr John McDonnell, Mr Kevin McNamara, Mr Lembit Opik and Mr Gareth R. Thomas (Harrow West).

6Draft Immigration (Leave to Enter and Remain) Order 2000:

(1) The Speaker has allocated the draft Order to the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, and has appointed Mr Eric Illsley Chairman; and

(2) the Committee of Selection has nominated sixteen Members to serve on the Committee, viz.: Mr David Clelland, Mr David Drew, Barbara Follett, Mrs Llin Golding, Mr Oliver Heald, Mr Tom Levitt, Mr Andrew Love, Mr Peter Luff, Judy Mallaber, Mr Mark Oaten, Mr Andrew Reed, Mrs Barbara Roche, Miss Geraldine Smith, Mr Desmond Swayne, Dr Jenny Tonge and Sir Raymond Whitney.

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7Draft Access to Justice Act 1999 (Destination of Appeals) Order 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr Simon Hughes and Dr Phyllis Starkey from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr John Burnett and Mr Gerald Bermingham.

Grand Committees

8The Speaker has appointed Mr John McWilliam Chairman of the Northern Ireland Grand Committee in respect of its meeting on 13th April.

European Standing Committees

9European Union Documents Nos. 6230/00, relating to the White Paper on Environmental Liability, and 6629/00, relating to Agricultural Price Proposals for 2000–2001, have been referred to European Standing Committee A.

10European Union Documents Nos. COM(99) 644, relating to The Helsinki Report on Sport, and COM(99) 643, relating to Doping in Sport, have been referred to European Standing Committee C.

11The Speaker has appointed Mr Jonathan Sayeed Chairman of European Standing Committee C in respect of European Union Document No. 5671/00 on Food Safety in the European Union.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Education and Employment,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Committee [Early Years Education]; to be printed [No. 386-iii] [Mr Barry Sheerman].

2Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs,—(1) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Environment Sub-Committee of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee [The Planning Inspectorate and Public Inquiries]; to be printed [No. 364-ii] [Mr Andrew F. Bennett]; and

(2) Minutes of Evidence taken before the Transport Sub-Committee of the Committee [Funding of London Underground]; to be printed [No. 411-i] [Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody].

3European Scrutiny,—Thirteenth Report from the European Scrutiny Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 23-xiii] [Mr Jimmy Hood].

4Modernisation of the House of Commons,—First Report from the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons [Facilities for the Media]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 408] [Margaret Beckett].

5Northern Ireland Affairs,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee [Recent Political Developments in Northern Ireland]; to be printed [No. 409-i] [Mr Peter Brooke].

6Public Accounts,—(1) Fourteenth Report from the Committee of Public Accounts [Child Support Agency: Client Funds Accounts 1998–99]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 184];

(2) Fifteenth Report from the Committee [The Procurement of Non-Combat Vehicles for the Royal Air Force]; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 172]; and

(3) Part of the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee [The Private Finance Initiative: The Contract for the Defence Fixed Telecommunications System]; to be printed [No. 413-i]

[Mr Alan Williams].

7Public Administration,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Select Committee on Public Administration [The Report of the Commissioner for Public Appointments on Public Appointments to NHS Trusts and Health Authorities]; to be printed [No. 410-i] [Mr Ronnie Campbell].

8Social Security,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Social Security Committee [Housing Benefit]; to be printed [No. 385-ii] [Mr Archy Kirkwood].

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9Standards and Privileges,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee on Standards and Privileges on 21st March [Complaint against Mr Tony Baldry]; to be printed [No. 369-i] [Mr Robert Sheldon].

10Trade and Industry,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Trade and Industry Committee [BMW, Rover and Longbridge]; to be printed [No. 383-iv] [Mr Martin O'Neill].

11Treasury,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Sub-Committee of the Treasury Committee [Government's Cash and Debt Management]; to be printed [No. 154-vi] [Mr Giles Radice].


[No. 77; WH, No. 46.]

Wednesday 5th April 2000.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall [pursuant to Order of 24th May 1999].

The sitting commenced at half-past Nine o'clock.

1Adjournment,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That the sitting be now adjourned—(Mr Robert Ainsworth);

And it being Two o'clock, the sitting was adjourned without Question put, till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 2.00 p.m.


[No. 78.]

Thursday 6th April 2000.

The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock.

PRAYERS.

1Romsey Writ,—Ordered, That the Speaker do issue her Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown, to make out a new Writ for the electing of a Member to serve in this present Parliament for the County Constituency of Romsey, in the room of Michael Keith Beale Colvin, Esquire, deceased.—(Mr James Arbuthnot.)

2London Local Authorities Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for consideration of the London Local Authorities Bill [Lords], as amended in the Committee;

Ordered, That the Bill be considered on Thursday 13th April.

3Kent County Council Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Kent County Council Bill [Lords];

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Thursday 13th April.

4Medway Council Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Medway Council Bill [Lords];

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Thursday 13th April.

5Mersey Tunnels Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Mersey Tunnels Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Wednesday 19th April at Seven o'clock.

6Transport Bill,—Mr Roger Gale reported from Standing Committee E, That it had gone through the Transport Bill, and made Amendments thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 107].

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 415].

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7Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill,—Mrs Ray Michie reported from Standing Committee F, That it had gone through the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Bill, and made Amendments thereunto.

Bill, as amended in the Standing Committee, to be considered to-morrow; and to be printed [Bill 106].

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to be printed [No. 414].

8Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr John Butterfill reported from the Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the draft Access to Justice Act 1999 (Destination of Appeals) Order 2000.

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.

9Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation,—Mr Jonathan Sayeed reported from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 57) on the Promoting Independence: Prevention Grant for 2000–01 (House of Commons Paper No. 338), the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 56) on the Promoting Independence: Partnership Grant for 2000–01 (House of Commons Paper No. 337), and the Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 58) on the Promoting Independence: Carers Grant for 2000–01 (House of Commons Paper No. 339).

Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee to lie upon the Table.

10Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

Limited Liability Partnerships Bill [Lords],—The Lords have passed a Bill to make provision for Limited Liability Partnerships; to which the Lords desire the concurrence of this House.

11Limited Liability Partnerships Bill [Lords],—The Limited Liability Partnerships Bill [Lords] was read the first time; and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow and to be printed [Bill 108].

Ordered, That the Explanatory Notes relating to the Limited Liability Partnerships Bill [Lords] be printed [No. 108–EN].

12Armed Forces Discipline Bill [Lords],—The House, according to Order, proceeded to consider the Armed Forces Discipline Bill [Lords], as amended in the Standing Committee.

Ordered, That the Armed Forces Discipline Bill [Lords], as amended, be considered in the following order, namely, new Clauses; Amendments relating to Clauses Nos. 1 to 10, Schedule No. 1, Clauses Nos. 11 to 13, Schedule No. 2, Clauses Nos. 14 to 25, Schedule No. 3, Clauses Nos. 26 and 27, Schedule No. 4 and Clause No. 28; and new Schedules.—(Mr Don Touhig.)

Amendment (No. 13) proposed to the Bill, in page 24, line 23, to leave out from the word ‘imprisonment' to the word ‘or' in line 24.—(Mr Crispin Blunt.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Amendment (No. 2) proposed to the Bill, in page 29, line 24, at the end, to insert the words ‘or—

(c) they are a serving Officer in the Territorial Army or the Royal Auxiliary Air Force who also hold a current practising certificate, issued by the Bar Council, Law Society or Institute of Legal Executives, to practise as a Barrister, Solicitor or Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives and who have at least two years post qualified experience'.—(Mr Robert Key.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Amendment (No. 4) proposed to the Bill, in page 30, to leave out lines 22 to 24 and insert the words—

‘(3) An order under this section shall not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament', instead thereof.—(Mr Robert Key.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave withdrawn.

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Another Amendment (No. 6) proposed to the Bill, in page 32, line 10, at the end, to insert the words—

‘(1A) The Defence Council may by regulations make provision designating those persons who, either before or after the accused has elected for trial by court-martial, may counsel him on that decision'.—(Mr Robert Key.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Another Amendment (No. 1) proposed to the Bill, in page 34, line 1, to leave out Clause No. 12.—(Mr Robert Key.)

Question proposed, That the Amendment be made:—Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

A Motion was made, and the Question being put, That the Bill be now read the third time;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Clive Betts, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe: 301.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr John Randall, Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: 113.

So the Question was agreed to.

The Bill was accordingly read the third time, and passed, with an Amendment.

13Opposition day [6th allotted day–second part],—It being an allotted day at the disposal of the leader of the second largest opposition party in pursuance of Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business), the House proceeded to consider opposition business.

Patten Commission Report on the Royal Ulster Constabulary,—A Motion was made, and the Question being proposed, That this House welcomes the well-deserved award of the George Cross to the Royal Ulster Constabulary; condemns the Government's decision to remove its Royal title; and calls for the postponement of the implementation of other controversial recommendations in the Patten Commission Report on Policing in Northern Ireland until the ‘new dispensation' on which it was predicated has truly arrived—(Mr David Trimble);

An Amendment was proposed of the Question, in line 2, to leave out from the word ‘House' to the end of the Question and add the words ‘welcomes the well-deserved award of the George Cross to the Royal Ulster Constabulary; notes that the award was made by Her Majesty in recognition of the service and sacrifices of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, which must never be forgotten; reiterates its commitment to maintaining an effective police service in Northern Ireland capable of protecting the public and maintaining law and order; and reaffirms the objective in the Good Friday Agreement of creating a new beginning to policing in Northern Ireland, with a police service capable of attracting and sustaining support from the community as a whole', instead thereof.—(Mr Secretary Mandelson.)

And the Question being proposed, That the original words stand part of the Question;

The Reverend Martin Smyth rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put.

And the Question being put, That the Question be now put:—It was agreed to.

And the Question being accordingly put;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Clifford Forsyth, the Reverend Martin Smyth: 118.

Tellers for the Noes, Mrs Anne McGuire, Mr Don Touhig: 264.

So the Question was negatived.

And the Question, That the proposed words be there added, being put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 31 (Questions on amendments):—It was agreed to.

The Deputy Speaker forthwith declared the Main Question, as amended, to be agreed to.

Resolved, That this House welcomes the well-deserved award of the George Cross to the Royal Ulster Constabulary; notes that the award was made by Her Majesty in recognition of the service and sacrifices of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, which must never be forgotten; reiterates its commitment to maintaining an effective police service in Northern Ireland capable of protecting the public and maintaining law and order; and reaffirms the objective in the Good Friday Agreement of creating a new beginning to policing in Northern Ireland, with a police service capable of attracting and sustaining support from the community as a whole.

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14Message from the Lords,—A Message was brought from the Lords, as follows:

The Lords have agreed to the Amendment made by this House to the Armed Forces Discipline Bill [Lords], without Amendment.

15Liaison Committee,—Ordered, That Dr Lewis Moonie be discharged from the Liaison Committee and Mr Stuart Bell be added to the Committee.—(Mr Keith Bradley.)

16Public Petitions,—A Public Petition from members of staff of pathology laboratories in Devon hospitals for recognition of the recruitment and retention problems of the pathology service was presented and read; and ordered to lie upon the Table and to be printed.

17Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Robert Ainsworth.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till twenty minutes to Eight o'clock, adjourned till to-morrow.

[Adjourned at 7.40 p.m.


APPENDIX I

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Affirmative Resolution:

1Local Government Finance,—Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 61) on Special Grants for School Standards, Support of School Budgets and Costs of Transitional Funding [by Act]; to be printed [No. 399] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

2Channel Tunnel,—Channel Tunnel (International Arrangments) (Amendment) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 913), dated 29th March 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

3Civil Aviation,—Civil Aviation (Route Charges for Navigation Services) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 895), dated 28th March 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

4Customs and Excise,—Dual-Use and Related Goods (Export Control) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 994), dated 5th April 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

5Immigration,—Immigration (Passenger Information) Order 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 912), dated 29th March 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Straw].

6Universities of Oxford and Cambridge,—Statute, dated 3rd April 2000, made by the Governing Body of Brasenose College, Oxford, amending the Statutes of the College [by Act] [Margaret Beckett].

Other Papers:

7Financial Reporting to Parliament,—Departmental Report 2000: The Government's Expenditure Plans for 2000–2001 for the Department of Health [by Command] [Cm. 4603] [Mr Secretary Milburn].

8France (No. 1, 2000),—Agreement, done at London on 25th November 1999, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the French Republic concerning Mutual Logistic Support, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Cm. 4640] [Mr Secretary Cook].

9Health,—Government Response to the Sixth Report from the Health Committee, Session 1998–99, on Procedures related to Adverse Clinical Incidents and Outcomes in Medical Care [by Command] [Cm. 4698] [Mr Secretary Milburn].

10Miscellaneous (No. 10, 2000),—Agreement, done at Vienna on 12th November 1999, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization on the conduct of activities, including post-certification activities, relating to International Monitoring Facilities for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Cm. 4675] [Mr Secretary Cook].

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11Post Office,—Report and Accounts of the Post Office Users' National Council for 1998–99 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Byers].

APPENDIX II

Standing Committees

1Draft Immigration (Leave to Enter and Remain) Order 2000,—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mrs Llin Golding and Miss Geraldine Smith from the Second Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the draft Order); and nominated in substitution Mr Stephen McCabe and Mr Alan Hurst.

2Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 57) on the Promoting Independence: Prevention Grant for 2000–01 (House of Commons Paper No. 338), Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 56) on the Promoting Independence: Partnership Grant for 2000–01 (House of Commons Paper No. 337), and Local Government Finance (England) Special Grant Report (No. 58) on the Promoting Independence: Carers Grant for 2000–01 (House of Commons Paper No. 339),—The Committee of Selection has discharged Mr John Hutton from the Fifth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation (nominated in respect of the Reports); and nominated in substitution Mr John Denham.

APPENDIX III

Reports from Select Committees

1Culture, Media and Sport,—Second Special Report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee [Wembley National Stadium: Responses to the Fourth Report from the Committee]; to be printed [No. 412] [Mr Gerald Kaufman].

2Health,—Minutes of Evidence taken before the Health Committee [Provision of NHS Mental Health Services]; to be printed [No. 373-iii] [Mr David Hinchliffe].

3Home Affairs,—(1) Second Report from the Home Affairs Committee [Controls over Firearms], together with Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee; to be printed, with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Committee relating to the Report [No. 95]; and

(2) Memoranda laid before the Committee [Controls over Firearms]

[Mr Robin Corbett].


[No. 78; WH, No. 47.]

Thursday 6th April 2000.

The House sitting in Westminster Hall [pursuant to Order of 24th May 1999].

The sitting commenced at half-past Two o'clock.

1Adjournment (Second Anniversary of NHS Direct),—Resolved, That the sitting be now adjourned.—(Ms Gisela Stuart.)

And accordingly the sitting was adjourned till Tuesday 11th April.

[Adjourned at 5.44 p.m.


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[No. 79.]

Friday 7th April 2000.

The House met at half-past Nine o'clock.

PRAYERS.

1Government Powers (Limitations) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Government Powers (Limitations) Bill;

Mr Secretary Smith acquainted the House, That he had it in Command from the Queen to acquaint the House that Her Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Bill, had consented to place Her prerogative, so far as it is affected by the Bill, at the disposal of Parliament for the purposes of the Bill.

And a Motion being made, That the Bill be now read a second time;

Mr Andrew Dismore moved, That the House sit in private.

The Speaker put the Question forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 163 (Motions to sit in private).

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Andrew Dismore, Mr Ian Stewart: 0.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr Tom Levitt, Mrs Helen Brinton: 30.

And it appearing on the report of the Division that fewer than forty Members had taken part in the Division, the Speaker declared that the Question was not decided, and the business under consideration stood over until the next sitting of the House.

2Wild Mammals (Hunting with Dogs) Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Wild Mammals (Hunting with Dogs) Bill;

And a Motion being made, and the Question being proposed, That the Bill be now read a second time;

Mr Ken Livingstone rose in his place and claimed to move, That the Question be now put.

And the Question being put, That the Question be now put;

The House divided.

Tellers for the Ayes, Mr Ian Stewart, David Taylor: 74.

Tellers for the Noes, Mr James Gray, Mr David Maclean: 0.

Whereupon the Deputy Speaker declared that the Question was not decided in the Affirmative because it was not supported by the majority prescribed by Standing Order No. 37 (Majority for closure or for proposal of Question).

And it being half-past Two o'clock, the Debate stood adjourned.

Ordered, That the Debate be resumed on Friday 14th April.

3Export of Farm Animals Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Export of Farm Animals Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 21st July.

4Welfare of Broiler Chickens Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Welfare of Broiler Chickens Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 21st July.

5Fire Prevention Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Fire Prevention Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 19th May.

6Marine Wildlife Protection Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Marine Wildlife Protection Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 14th April.

7Retail Packaging Recycling Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Retail Packaging Recycling Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 14th April.

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8Parliamentary Commissioner (Amendment) Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Parliamentary Commissioner (Amendment) Bill [Lords];

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 14th April.

9Hare Coursing Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Hare Coursing Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 14th April.

10Road Traffic Bill,—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Road Traffic Bill;

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 14th April.

11Census (Amendment) Bill [Lords],—The Order of the day being read, for the Second Reading of the Census (Amendment) Bill [Lords];

Ordered, That the Bill be read a second time on Friday 19th May.

12Adjournment,—Resolved, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Don Touhig.)

And accordingly the House, having continued to sit till one minute to Three o'clock, adjourned till Monday next.

[Adjourned at 2.59 p.m.


APPENDIX

Papers presented or laid upon the Table:

Papers subject to Negative Resolution:

1Pensions,—Local Government Pension Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I., 2000, No. 1005), dated 31st March 2000 [by Act] [Mr Secretary Prescott].

Other Papers:

2Agricultural Marketing,—Report on Agricultural Marketing Schemes for 1997–98 and 1998–99 [by Act] [Mr Nicholas Brown].

3Development of Tourism,—Statement of appointment and salary of Hilary Lade as a member of the British Tourist Authority [by Act] [Mr Secretary Smith].

4Financial Reporting to Parliament,—Departmental Reports 2000: The Government's Expenditure Plans for 2000–01 to 2001–02 for the—

(1) Chancellor of the Exchequer's Departments: HM Treasury, Government Actuary's Department, National Investment and Loans Office, National Savings, Office for National Statistics, Registry of Friendly Societies and Financial Transactions with European Community Institutions [by Command] [Cm. 4615] [Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer]; and

(2) Department for Education and Employment, with a Summary [by Command] [Cm. 4602] [Mr Secretary Blunkett].

5Miscellaneous (No. 11, 2000),—New Annex V on the Protection and Conservation of the Ecosystems and Biological Diversity of the Maritime Area, and a related Appendix 3, adopted at Sintra (Portugal) on 22nd–23rd July 1998, to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic, 1992, with an Explanatory Memorandum [by Command] [Cm. 4678] [Mr Secretary Cook].

6Public Petitions,—Observations by the Secretary of State for Social Security on the Petitions [22nd March] from residents of North Cornwall, Truro and St. Austell and St. Ives against the Government's proposed changes to the method of benefit payments [by Standing Order]; to be printed [Clerk of the House].



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